Feds Investigate Fatal Roof Collapse

January 28, 1986|By Kevin Davis, Staff Writer

COOPER CITY — Inspectors from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration examined the wreckage of an unfinished home Monday where the city`s chief electrical inspector was killed after part of the roof collapsed Friday afternoon.

Jose Sanchez, OSHA`s area director, said an investigation would be completed in 10 to 14 days. He said the state has recently focused on similar accidents involving the erection of trusses.

``There have been too many accidents lately,`` Sanchez said.

Joseph Gayeski, 64, died of multiple chest injuries at Pembroke Pines General Hospital, where he was taken after a series of roofing trusses collapsed and pinned him to the ground at a home being built for his son, Martin, police said.

Gayeski was standing in the middle of the home at 2550 Sands Way while another man, Anthony Nales, was guiding the installation of a truss, police said. The truss broke loose and caused several other trusses to topple, police said.

Nales also was taken to Pines General, where he was listed in fair condition Monday night. He suffered multiple fractures and a possible concussion.

According to police, a girder holding the trusses broke loose, which caused a domino effect on the rest of the trusses. A rescue team freed Gayeski after cutting away the trusses, police said.

The accident occurred around 3:15 p.m. Friday. Officials said they don`t believe Gayeski was there on city business. If Gayeski had been working for the city, the city might be held liable for the accident, city officials said.

``It was in the time frame when he normally worked,`` said Public Safety Director Robert Senk. ``But it was common practice when he would come in early and leave early. There was no reason for him to inspect the house at that time.``

Senk remembered Gayeski, who has worked for the city since 1978, as a respected and well-liked employee.

``He was really helpful to everybody and a real friendly guy,`` Senk said.

He said Gayeski`s co-workers were ``really shook up.``

City Manager Chris Farrell said Gayeski will be missed by his co-workers.

``He was a very decent man. This whole thing is a tragedy,`` Farrell said. ``He had just built his own home, his dream house, and moved in about a year ago.

``He was quiet, yet good-humored. It`s a loss to the whole department. He was a very hard-working, industrious man.``

The city flew flags at half staff Monday and will continue to do so through Wednesday. Most city department heads attended a wake at Boyd`s Funeral Home in Pembroke Pines Monday, Farrell said.

Funeral services were scheduled for 9:30 a.m. todayat St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Davie. Gayeski is survived by his wife, Helen, and his son.